William Donald 'Billie' MacKay
Born In: Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: May 14th, 2010
With heavy hearts we announce that this wonderful man passed away May 14, 2010, in the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, as the result of a massive stroke.
He was the son of the late D.J. and Greta (Wilson) MacKay.
He was a member of the Farquharson Presbyterian Church, Middle River, a 50-year member of the St. Mark's Masonic Lodge #35 and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
In his lifetime Billie wore many hats: in his family life he was a son, a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle and a much loved Grampie. As a young man he helped his father deliver mail between Baddeck and Whycocomagh and was one of the last people to do so by horse and sleigh. He also spent many winters working for the Mercy Paper Co. living in their camps and logging using heavy horses. His love for horses never diminished. From then on he has been self-employed, as a farmer and as a trucker doing a variety of jobs with his own truck. In later years he was fortunate enough to be able to travel with his wife Olive. They enjoyed their trips to western and northern Canada to visit with family, as well as into the states and overseas to Europe.
Billie was a kind and gentle man who always shared his life stories and wisdom with young and old alike.
He is survived by his son, Grant MacKay (Chrissie); and daughters, Ruth Ann Coady (Mike), Heather Gomuwka (Gary) and Kathy Kutschinski-Kennedy (John), all of Alberta; and daughter-in-law, Debbie MacKay, Baddeck. He is also survived by his brother, Reid (Jean) MacKay; and sister, Mabel (Edward) MacDonnell of Baddeck. He leaves behind 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews as well as a multitude of great friends.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Olive (Grant) MacKay in 2009, his son, Sandy MacKay, daughter, Brenda Jean MacKay in infancy, sisters, Margaret (Gordon) MacRae, Doris (Murdock) MacLeod and son-in-law, Larry Kutschinski.
The body is resting at MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck, with visitation hours from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on May 18. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 19th at Farquharson Presbyterian Church, Middle River, with Rev. Ihasz officiating. The Masonic and Eastern Star services will be incorporated into the funeral service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria County Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation or charity of one's choice.
